1. The Last Laugh || The Athenaeum Theatre. 188 Collins St. Melbourne. Ph: (03) 9650 6668. thecomedyclub.com.au.

Going since 1975, this historic home of Australian comedy hosts impressive local and international stand-up comics. From familiars Dave Hughes and Dave O’Neil to Ben Elton and Jimeoin, its guaranteed laughs. Hungry? Pick up a dinner and show package – perhaps some double roast beef with mushroom sauce. Perfect winters night out in the heart of Melbourne.

2. The Comics Lounge || 26 Errol St. North Melbourne. Ph: (03) 9348 9488. thecomicslounge.com.au.

Hosting live comedy, 6 nights a week, the Comedy Lounge suits every taste – from Australia’s best stand-up to sketch to impro.  Laugh at the likes of TV and radio personalities Charlie Pickering, Dave O’Neil and Adam Richards and other pros like Adam Rozenbachs. Inviting you to overdose on laughter, its terrific medicine and with two fully stocked bars is a great pre-night-out stopover. Catch our newest comedians on Tuesday for ‘Young Guns Comedy Night.’

3. Comedy@Spleen || Spleen Bar. 41 Bourke St. Melbourne. Ph: 1438 660 836. comedyatspleen.com.

On Monday nights, head to the top of Bourke for free laughs at Comedy@Spleen. Not just any comedians, special guests might include Josh Thomas, Tom Gleeson, Lehmo and Fiona O’Loghlin. Don’t worry – young up and comer comics also drop in on occasion and drinks are cheap. Starting at 8.30pm, bring along a gold coin for an appreciated donation to kick off your week with a grin.

4. Felix Bar Comedy || 43 Fitzroy St. St Kilda. Ph: 0438 660 836.

Wearing the crown of Melbourne’s funniest suburb is St Kilda. So if it feels like forever until Friday and your Wednesday evening is looking fairly drab and dreary (especially in the middle of winter), head to Felix Bar on Fitzroy St. Hosting talented local and international TV personalities and comics – from Justin Hamilton to Lehmo to Harley Breen, become part of a great crowd and enjoy a few drinks and a million laughs.  Starts at 8.30pm. Soon to add salsa classes, the jokes could soon be on you.

5. The Comedy Theatre || 240 Exhibition St. Melbourne. Ph: (03) 9299 9850. marrinertheatres.com.au.

The place to laugh and be seen during the outrageously funny Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the Comedy Theatre sits within a 1928 heritage-listed, Florentine-style building.  Seating over 1000 theatregoers, it’s a venue for more than just comedy, hosting productions like Rock of Ages.